As the Denver Broncos continue their search for a quarterback, Sam Darnold might be a name to keep an eye on this offseason.
Darnold was picked by the New York Jets third overall in the 2018 NFL draft and he failed to live up to high expectations, but he could be an affordable short-term answer in Denver.
Broncos coach Sean Payton is a quarterback guru, and he could get the best out of Darnold in 2024.
Three weeks ago, Andrew Mason of DenverSports.com pointed out that Payton has had success with reclamation projects at quarterback such as Kerry Collins, Teddy Bridgewater and Jameis Winston (even Drew Brees was coming off a torn labrum when Payton signed him).
Darnold certainly fits into the “reclamation project” category, and Mark Kiszla of the Denver Gazette, former Broncos lineman Ryan Harris, Cecil Lammey of DenverSports.com and ex-Denver lineman Mark Schlereth have also linked Darnold to the Broncos.
He wouldn’t be a flashy signing, but Darnold has 56 career starts on his resume and he could help mentor a rookie if Denver opts to draft a QB.
Darnold has completed 59.7% of his passes for 12,064 yards with 63 touchdowns against 56 interceptions in his career. He started one game for the San Francisco 49ers last season and went 16-of-26 for 189 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.
Still only 26 years old, Darnold could be an option for the Broncos.
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